The Friendly IV-System

Pal is a new take on the iv system for non-ICU patients. It takes ergonomics and the psychological needs of the patient into consideration. Current machines look like mechanical ligaments you have to carry around. Pal promotes the feelings of comfort and happiness with its approachable look. There’s are also an interface and setup improvements nurses. Designer: Andrew Seunghyun Kim

I’m thinking there might be a reason why the current IV dispensers rely on gravity for delivering the drug… what if the pump motor malfunctions, or battery runs low, say in the middle of the night. The patient might not wake up to notice… While technological and electified/computerised inventions are spiffy, sometimes I wonder if we’re on the right track, making stuff we rely on ever more vulnerable and fickle?

Overall, a very positive idea, I’d love to see it one day, have quite a few problems with it though.

Moving the weight from the center of the pole to the bottom is a good idea, BUT it would be smarter to place the computer part on the bottom, and divide the medicine part into two – the main “sack” on the bottom and a smaller one on the top, from which the liquid drops with gravity. Pumping medicine directly into a vein is an awful idea, if there is a problem with a vein the machine detects it because the flow of liquid stops. If a pumping motor is forcing the liquid into the vein, it is unreliable and potentially dangerous.

So, an awesome topic, convincing renders, but not well thought through. Also, the interface is really friendly and looks trendy, but it’s logic is very raw.

I think, if you would put a little more research and thought to this, it could have been an AWESOME design. Currently, it’s a concept that is good looking but too raw.

@Jan You are entirely correct, sir. Redundancy is extremely important in a hospital setting. So is reliability. With a gravity-fed system everything can be regulated through simple, mechanical (i.e. non-electronic) means that work with or without power. Straight hoses, while prone to kinking, are also less prone to stoppages due to more viscous medications (not everything is as thin as water).

You are correct about reliability being a key thing, but don’t forget that current systems in hospitals are electronic as well. They rely on BOTH electronics and gravity. The designers mistake is that he didn’t think enough about the process. For example, what’s the point of placing the hose on the top if the liquid is pumped by a motor?

And you are wrong about this “if it ain’t broke..” thing, the current drop counters have many flaws, the point is the designer created more flaws while dealing with the stability and interface.

Speaking as a patient, the one thing this one is lacking is the upright pole. Honestly, I know I can speak for more than just myself where the pole has been a great stabilizer after surgeries. It may not give support, but it’s comforting to hold onto something that you don’t have to hold up while walking.